France yacht charters: French government plans to ease travel restrictions for Americans

By Mairead Finlay 20 April 2021

For US yacht charterers keen to explore the wondrous beauty of the South of France, we have good news to share: the French president Emmanuel Macron has announced plans to remove travel restrictions US, UK and EU citizens into France are currently being finalized.

This would be a huge boon for France's tourism: the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has revealed that last year the the country lost almost €103 billion due to the pandemic, with France's GDP falling from €211 billion in 2019 to €108 billion in 2020.

When will people be allowed to travel to France?

The plan is to start gradually reducing restrictions for vaccinated travelers or those who test negative for coronavirus from May.

As the French president explains:

“We will progressively lift the restrictions of the beginning of May, which means that we will organize in the summertime with our professionals in France for French European citizens, but as well for American citizens. So we are working hard to propose a very concrete solution, especially for US citizens who are vaccinated, so with a special pass, I would say.”

The USA currently has a Schengen travel ban in force, but it is rumoured that this will similarly be lifted in mid-May to facilitate travel.

COVID-19 certificates could be launched shortly

In the same interview with CBS News, Macron said that a certificate to enable travel between European countries (and available to American travelers) was currently being discussed.

However, it is expected the stricter rules will remain in place for countries including Brazil, Argentina, Chile and South Africa, who are currently experiencing higher incidents of COVID-19 and its variants. Countries being removed or added to this list will be regularly monitored according to their current COVID-19 statistics.

Yacht charters in France

A France yacht charter promises mesmerizing beauty spots in abundance. This classic charter destination in the West Mediterranean has plentiful serene anchorages and jaw-droppingly beautiful towns and cities to visit that jetsetters adore. This includes St. Tropez, Cannes, Antibes, Nice and nearby Monaco too.

To find out more about visiting the French Riviera on a yacht charter, take a look at our comprehensive French Riviera yacht charter guide.

To book your next yacht charter in France, please consult your chosen yacht charter broker.